LAHORE – Pakistan batter Imam-ul-Haq’s latest injury during the ongoing tour of England has brought renewed attention to a previous Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) inquiry into an injury-related controversy involving the batter.
The sources said that the PCB is likely to review Imam’s current injury in light of the findings of an inquiry conducted in March 2025 during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand.
The previous inquiry concerned an incident on March 28, 2025, when Imam was struck on the right big toe during an indoor net session. An X-ray reportedly showed no fracture or displacement of the bone.
The sources said that despite medical advice, Imam allegedly walked around 500 metres to attend an Iftar gathering. He later complained of severe pain and said his toe had turned black.
The team doctor reportedly cleaned the toe with a chemical-treated paper, after which the black mark disappeared. The inquiry committee concluded that the substance removed from the toe was not consistent with natural blood and was instead ink or marker.
Imam denied using ink or any artificial substance on his toe before the committee. However, the panel reportedly found his explanation inconsistent with the medical evidence, X-ray results and the appearance of the injury.
The committee also noted that team officials allegedly observed Imam limping while under supervision but walking normally when he was out of their sight.
Based on its findings, the inquiry committee unanimously concluded that there was no medical basis for declaring Imam unfit for Pakistan’s first ODI against New Zealand.
The committee held him responsible for allegedly fabricating or exaggerating injury symptoms and misleading medical staff, concluding that he had deliberately attempted to make himself unavailable for the match.
It recommended that Imam be barred from representing Pakistan at all levels and in all formats, describing the incident as deliberate, pre-planned and deceptive.
The 2025 controversy had also prompted speculation that Imam wanted to avoid opening on New Zealand’s pace-friendly and challenging pitches.
With Imam now claiming a fresh injury during Pakistan’s current tour of England, the earlier inquiry report has once again come under scrutiny.
The sources said the PCB is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the latest injury before deciding whether further action is required.
